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Bush may veto DOD bill

By Patience Wait

Jul 29, 2005

White House senior advisers are threatening to recommend that President Bush veto the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2006 if it includes any provisions requiring the establishment of a national commission on detainee operations or regulating the detention, treatment or trial of suspected terrorists.

The White House also objects to a measure that would reduce funding for the Base Realignment and Closure Commission by $376 million and modify its authority, and to 'buy American' amendments aimed at limiting foreign suppliers' business with the Pentagon.

The Office of Management and Budget late last month issued a Statement of Administration Policy supporting passage of the bill but calling on the Senate to make specific changes. The bill has been placed on the Senate calendar for a vote.

Several other provisions of the bill have also drawn the ire of the White House. To read the OMB memo, go to www.gcn.com and enter 466 in the GCN.com/box.